Iñaki Urdangarin was condemned long before the justice system imposed a sentence of five years and ten months in prison for embezzlement, influence peddling, tax fraud, and corruption. The scandal began in February 2006 when the socialist deputy Antoni Diéguez uncovered the Nóos case in the Balearic Parliament, questioning why Jaume Matas had awarded contracts worth 1.2 million euros to a non-profit organization run by the king’s son-in-law. The Zarzuela Palace attempted to quash the scandal by ordering Urdangarin to cease his involvement with the Institute Noós, but he continued to be connected to the foundation and related companies indirectly for several more years. This marked the beginning of his downfall.
Despite receiving a letter from the Casa del Rey in 2006 instructing him to end his business dealings, Urdangarin was already deeply embroiled in legal troubles by the time he heeded the advice. In 2009, he was hired by Telefónica as a representative in the United States, arranged by King Juan Carlos with the company’s president. However, by 2010, a separate case was opened regarding Nóos contracts with several public administrations, leading to Urdangarin’s trial in 2016. Ultimately, he was sentenced to prison in 2017, which was later reduced to five years and ten months. In December of that year, he entered Brieva prison in Ávila.
Now on the brink of regaining his freedom, Iñaki Urdangarin, at 56 years old, is attempting to rebuild his life without the contacts and protection of the Royal Family. Following reports of an extramarital relationship with Ainhoa Armentia, he officially announced his divorce from the infanta in 2022. Reports suggest that his financial situation is not as secure as it was during his time with Nóos, and he is currently only receiving a monthly subsidy as a former prisoner. Urdangarin’s new, more modest life has seen him take up employment at a small construction company in Vitoria, arranged by his partner, Ainhoa Armentia.
With no royal title, no royal wife, and no ties to the monarchy, Urdangarin faces difficulties in finding employment. He has moved into a rental apartment in Vitoria with Armentia, his partner for the past two years. The fall from grace of Urdangarin has coincided with the redemption of the infanta Cristina, who was acquitted of tax fraud charges and has slowly begun to reintegrate into the Royal Family. The separation from Urdangarin was met with some relief by the Borbons, as it followed a period of tension when King Juan Carlos and Crown Prince Felipe attempted to distance the family from Urdangarin’s actions.
Urdangarin has tried twice to share his side of the story, once with a recorded message to the Spanish people that was never aired, and more recently with an aborted interview by Jordi Évole. Despite ongoing challenges, including financial limitations and living outside the Royal Family circle, Urdangarin seems to be attempting to carve out a new, more discreet life for himself, free from the shadow of his past actions.
